What is the single most common cause of seizures in both term and preterm infants?

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is recognized as the single most common cause of seizures in both term and preterm infants due to the significant impact that insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the brain can have during the perinatal period. HIE often results from complications such as prolonged labor, maternal hypotension, or any event that leads to reduced oxygen availability to the fetal brain. This lack of oxygen can cause neurological impairments, including seizures, as the brain is unable to function normally.

In newborns, the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to hypoxic conditions, which can lead to widespread neuronal injury and excitability that presents as seizures. The timing of the seizures, often occurring shortly after birth, is also indicative of HIE since the effects of hypoxia may not be immediately evident. Recognizing HIE as a common cause of seizures underscores the importance of monitoring fetal and maternal health closely during labor and delivery.

The other options, while possible causes for seizures in infants, are less common in general practice. Severe derangements in electrolytes can lead to seizures, but they are not as prevalent as HIE in the newborn population. Intracranial hemorrhaging can certainly cause seizures, particularly among preterm infants who